Occupational ergonomics in space

Ergonomics is often defined simply as the study of work. Related or synonymous terms include human factors, human engineering, engineering psychology, and others. Occupational ergonomics is a term that has been proposed to describe the study of the working environment, including the physical consequences resulting from having an improperly designed workplace. The routine space working environment presents some problems not found in the typical Earthbound workplace. These include radiation, intravehicular contamination/pollution, temperature extremes, impact with other objects, limited psychosocial relationships, sensory deprivation, and reduced gravity. These are important workplace considerations, and may affect astronauts either directly at work or at some point during their life as a result of their work under these conditions. Some of the major issues associated with each of these hazards are presented

Proceeding of the 2018 Ergo-X Symposium : Exoskeletons in the Workplace\u2014Assessing Safety, Usability, and Productivity

"The Proceedings of the 2018 Ergo-X Symposium: Exoskeletons in the Workplace have been assembled to disseminate the speakers\u81' presentations and to summarize the question and answer/discussion periods that followed the presentations within each session. The proceedings appear by session and include summary points with links to presentation slides from speakers who agreed to provide them. The Ergo-X Proceedings Editors identified and documented the summary points and gave presenters of specific content (such as keynote presentations) an opportunity to review, edit, and approve the content. Here are some of the key summary points from the 2018 Ergo-X Symposium: 1. Metabolic demand may be a predictor of fatigue onset; however, we need a better understanding of how the positive or negative effect of an exoskeleton on metabolic demand affects injury prevention/risk. 2. The fit of the exoskeleton system is complex. Static assessments of fit that do not consider task dynamics are insufficient; multivariate anthropometric data are critical to fit. 3. Simulation and digital human modeling technologies have potential use in (1) assessing the interface between the user and exoskeleton and (2) reducing the test and evaluation burden of using human subjects. 4. Existing exoskeleton systems require a period of adaptation by the end user. For a new user, task performance is not likely to reach a steady state immediately. We need to establish acceptable test durations for exoskeleton trials. 5. Cognitive and psychomotor effects of exoskeleton use have been observed and are likely task dependent. 6. Industrial exoskeleton designs should be compatible with off-the-shelf tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment, rather than relying on specialty tools and custom interfaces. 7. Although industry speakers presented examples of wider-scale deployment of overhead support exoskeletons, overhead work with tool support appears to be the most mature industrial-use case at present. 8. The FDA oversees devices marketed/prescribed for medical use. Early adoption of medical exoskeletons may be more promising among individuals who are less adapted to other mobility-assistive technologies for their disabilities. 9. In the rehabilitation domain, clinics can utilize exoskeletons to assist therapists in delivering appropriate therapeutic doses. 10. ASTM Committee F48 on Exoskeletons and Exosuits and other standards organizations offer a forum for sharing exoskeleton knowledge. Feedback gathered from attendees and participants revealed 19 different topics (see the word cloud) that were issues or concerns for exoskeleton developers, researchers, and end users in 2018 and moving forward. The top four topics were (1) return on investment (ROI) considerations; (2) size, shape, and fit of exoskeletons on users; (3) longitudinal effects of exoskeleton usage; and (4) \u201cWhat metrics are right?\u201d for measuring safe, effective, or reliable system design and integration for users or patients." - NIOSHTIC-2NIOSHTIC no. 20057456Suggested citation: NIOSH [2019] Proceedings of the 2018 Ergo-X Symposium: Exoskeletons in the Workplace \u2014 Assessing Safety, Usability, and Productivity. By Lowe B, Billotte W, Brogmus G, McDowell T, Reid C, Rempel D, Srinivasan D (Editors). Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2020-102, https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB20201022020-102.pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB2020102201910.26616/NIOSHPUB2020102678

Int J Ind Ergon

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) remain a major concern for workers in the healthcare industry. Healthcare workers are at high risk of work-related MSDs mainly caused by overexertion from manually handling patients. Exoskeletons may be a useful tool to help reduce the risk of MSDs during patient handling. As a review study, we surveyed articles focusing on applying exoskeletons to patient handling tasks specifically. We also reviewed relevant government databases and other studies related to Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) programs and exoskeleton applications in general. The exoskeletons specifically designed for patient handling were found to be sparse. To have a better understanding of the needs and challenges of developing and using exoskeletons for reducing risks of work-related MSDs in healthcare workers during patient handling, this critical review (1) provided an overview of the existing issues and projected future burdens related to work-related MSDs during patient handling tasks, (2) recognized current and potential roles and applications of existing exoskeletons, and (3) identified challenges and needs for future exoskeleton products. In conclusion, we do not expect exoskeletons to replace the existing SPHM programs, but rather play a complementary role to these multi-pronged programs. We expect that emerging exoskeleton products can be introduced to uncontrolled or specialized healthcare environments. There are various expectations and requirements for an exoskeleton used in different healthcare settings. Additionally, introducing certain types of exoskeletons for patients to assist them during treatment and rehabilitation may help reduce the MSD risks to the healthcare workers.CC999999/ImCDC/Intramural CDC HHSUnited States/2022-08-02T00:00:00Z35924209PMC934550711722vault:4305

Extravehicular activities limitations study. Volume 1: Physiological limitations to extravehicular activity in space

This report contains the results of a comprehensive literature search on physiological aspects of EVA. Specifically, the topics covered are: (1) Oxygen levels; (2) Optimum EVA work; (3) Food and Water; (4) Carbon dioxide levels; (5) Repetitive decompressions; (6) Thermal, and (7) Urine collection. The literature was assessed on each of these topics, followed by statements on conclusions and recommended future research needs